The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors welcomes the additional funding announced in Budget 2026 to support the recruitment of 1,000 new Gardaí. Any investment in strengthening the ranks of An Garda Síochána is positive and supported by our Association.
However, we must recognise that this target remains aspirational. Successive recruitment targets set out in recent years have not been met, and the current announcement lacks the necessary detail on new or innovative measures required to attract suitable candidates to the organisation. Without such initiatives, achieving the Government’s Programme for Government commitment of 5,000 additional Gardaí remains unlikely.
While we acknowledge the ongoing efforts by Garda management to support and drive recruitment, these efforts alone are not enough in the absence of a broader, more coordinated strategy. The Garda College has not operated at full capacity in the past five years. Since July 2021, the College has had the capability to accommodate 225 recruits per intake, yet this level has never been reached. This highlights a serious challenge in both recruitment and the wider appeal of the profession.
AGSI strongly believes that Government and Garda management must now prioritise retention. The departure of experienced Garda members, particularly those in middle management, supervision and mid-service level, continues at an alarming rate. Many of our members are leaving early through retirement or resignation to pursue more attractive opportunities in both public and private sectors. Their loss represents not only a depletion in personnel but a significant erosion of experience and leadership within the organisation.
Since 2022, AGSI has consistently raised concerns around both recruitment and retention, as well as the stagnating Garda numbers amidst a growing population. While several working groups have been established during this time, tangible results have not followed. It appears our warnings are going unheard.
We urge Government and Garda management to take immediate and focused action on retaining experienced personnel while working to make the organisation a more attractive and sustainable career for future generations.
